Long-term vineyard sustainability is greatly influenced by soil quality. This study demonstrates that herbicide application and cultivation may decrease soil organic matter and soil health. Rather, under-vine cover crops may conserve soil quality over time and also buffer nutrient and agrochemical inputs from leaching into the surrounding environment.

THE EFFECT OF COVER CROPS AND RING NEMATODES AND THEIR MANAGEMENT IN DRIP IRRIGATED VINEYARDS

Plant-parasitic nematodes can reduce crop production by as much as 15% in grapevines under stress (inter alia water stress). An important plant-parasitic nematode associated with grapevines is ring nematode (Criconemoides xenoplax). Ring nematodes damage the roots of all grapevine rootstocks.

Handling of cover crops

by Conrad Schutte - 18 Nov 2015

Cover crops can be used in various ways in the course of the growing season. The selection of a suitable method depends on various factors that may include the following, inter alia: the vigour of the grapevines, ground water levels, incidence of frost, incidence of undesirable nematodes, the weed status of the vineyard and the current biomass of the cover crop that was planted.